“Et mittunt ad eum quosdam ex pharisæis, et herodianis, ut eum caperent in verbo.”
“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”
“Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words.”
“They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words.”
“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk.”
I. The persons they employed were the Pharisees and the Herodians, men that in this matter were contrary to one another, and yet concurred against Christ, v. 13. The Pharisees were great sticklers for the liberty of the Jews, and, if he should say, It is lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, they would incense the common people against him, and the Herodians would, underhand, assist them in it. The Herodians were great sticklers for the Roman power, and, if he should discountenance the paying of tribute to Cæsar, they would incense the governor against hum, yea, and the Pharisees, against their own principles, would join with them in it. It is no new thing for those that are at variance in other things, to join in a confederacy against Christ.
Verses 13-17 The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already made as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the words of a sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.